231w ago - Sony PlayStation 3 Marketing Manager Kim Nguyen has announced today that the standalone 320GB PS3 system will be available soon for consumers.

To quote: With all of the great new movies, music, TV shows, games and game demos being distributed over the PlayStation Network, it became clear that we needed to offer PlayStation 3's with larger hard drives to store all of the media for our most active users.

Back in August we announced the availability of a new 160GB PS3 system for $299.99 (MSRP) as well as a 320GB PS3 system bundled with a PlayStation Move motion controller, PlayStation Eye and copy of Sports Champions for $399.99 (MSRP).

Many of you asked if you can buy the 320GB PS3 system on its own and we're very excited to announce that we will begin shipping the standalone 320GB systems today to your local retailers.

The digital distribution trend is undeniably gaining momentum, and we here at PlayStation are committed to providing you with the hardware you need to support as much downloadable media as possible.

The 320GB PS3 system, which will retail for $349.99, has the largest storage capacity of any next-gen console and will continue to provide the same high-quality gaming that PlayStation fans have come to expect. For only $50 more, you get twice the storage capacity of the 160GB system.

With popular downloadable PlayStation Move games like Tumble already out and PSN exclusives like echochrome ii, Beat Sketcher, PAIN, and Dead Nation on the horizon, there are more options for downloadable content now than ever.

But advantages of more storage on your PS3 doesn't stop with the great games; blockbuster movies and hit TV shows are available for download on PSN and viewable in HD on the only all-in-one gaming and entertainment console that boasts a Blu-ray player. Enjoy!